Just a little update.

neverdespairgirl

Triker wrote: »

Spent my child benefit today kitting my ever growing children out in clothes and shoes. Feel rotten that I still have to seek sale items for them always.

I don't really get that, to be honest. Why do you feel bad? They aren't going to be any warmer / dryer / more comfortable because you overpaid for something!

Almost all my DS' clothes come second-hand from ebay, or other people. He's happy, we're not paying over the odds.

Triker

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

I don't really get that, to be honest. Why do you feel bad? They aren't going to be any warmer / dryer / more comfortable because you overpaid for something!

Almost all my DS' clothes come second-hand from ebay, or other people. He's happy, we're not paying over the odds.

I suppose it's because it's been going on for 15 years....(eldest is 15), I suppose just every now and then I 'd like to buy them something not on the sale rail, you know just something they would like rather than making do all the time.

They are brilliant girls btw and never complain.....but you know I'd just like to treat them once in a while.

I get no maintenance from their very absent parent (never have) and I work full time in a 'professional' job and receive no child tax credits or anything.

I pay for the childcare etc myself.

It's just been a bit gruelling all this parenting stuff, thought I'd have some spare cash by now.

As it is I hope to be able to at least be able to support my girls through higher education so they don't end up in the same financial quagmire that I seem to be stuck in.

Told you I was a bit Eyore, didn't I?:o

neverdespairgirl

Must be veyr hard, working and bringing up a family on your own <hugs>

chevalier

does your employer not have a childcare voucher scheme?
thanks for the update and I too love the 'a bit Eyore' saying that really made me smile.

Triker

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

Must be veyr hard, working and bringing up a family on your own <hugs>

I'm not on my own now, I have my beloved OH, who also works full time, however he pays maintenance for his children from a previous relationship, and we have a lot of debt. This is from carrying us 2 mortgages (I bought my house before I met OH) we now live together in his house, education, childcare and just those old chestnuts of food, clothes, bills and petrol .

Chevalier - I haven't enquired about the childcare voucher scheme, mainly due to day to day living being stressful enough. Don't shout but I've actually claimed nowt back (bank charges, credit card charges, MEAF, PPI), never mind the child care dooberrys.

Shhh tell no one, I think Martin L. may shoot me for being so crappola.

chevalier

you are a naughty naughty lady!!! now you know it makes sense, and don't forget both you AND other half can get the vouchers, this could really get your money moving, ie would saving a couple of hundred pounds a month help? Yes? Well then make sure you ask tomorrow!!!

and best of all it doesn't cost your employer anything to have a scheme either
chev

Triker

chevalier wrote: »

you are a naughty naughty lady!!! now you know it makes sense, and don't forget both you AND other half can get the vouchers, this could really get your money moving, ie would saving a couple of hundred pounds a month help? Yes? Well then make sure you ask tomorrow!!!

and best of all it doesn't cost your employer anything to have a scheme either
chev

Sir, yessir

I'll get on to it, promise.;)